HIST401-B: Living with the Bomb
Spring 2009 (schedule 403YZ)

Mr. David Coleman
Email : dgcoleman@virginia.edu
Ph : 434.924.9575
Office Hours : By appointment

Course Outline:

Since Hiroshima, nuclear weapons have had a fundamental impact on world history, ranging from its obvious centrality to international diplomacy to popular culture and everyday life. During this course, we will explore how and why nuclear weapons have played such an important role and how we have adjusted to their existence. The course’s particular focus is on the reciprocal relationship between people and nuclear weapons.

Readings:

Most of the weekly class readings are available on the class website. There is one book for purchase that is readily available from used book stores and online stores.

John Hersey, Hiroshima (any edition)

Class Website:

http://faculty.virginia.edu/nuclear

Assessment:

All written assessment should be submitted online via the class website.

Final Paper (due April 28): The primary assessment for this class is a 20-25 page research paper. You will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of issues raised during the course and should settle on a topic in collaboration with me. Further guidance on choosing a topic will be provided in class.

Reaction Papers: These are short papers that engage the weekly readings directly and address a particular question that will be posted on the class website each week. These papers are due the day before the discussion and should be submitted online. Further details will be provided in class.

Research Presentation: This is a 12-15 minute presentation to the class on your research project. Your presentation should be concise and compelling. You should be ready to answer questions. You will be assigned one of two class dates to present your work. On the day that you present, you should submit electronically a draft of your paper.

Reaction Papers / Class Participation: 10%
Research Presentations: 15%
Final Paper: 75%

Schedule:

Mondays, 3:30-6pm. CAB222.
Jan 13: Introduction
Jan 19: MLK Day (no class)
Jan 26: Building Bombs
Feb 2: Using the Bomb
Feb 9: Reading Week (no class)
Feb 16: The Very Real Prospect of Armageddon
Feb 23: Casualties of the Nuclear Age
Mar 2: Spring Recess (no class)
Mar 9: The Spread of Nuclear Weapons
Mar 16: Research & Writing Week (no class)
Mar 23: Research & Writing Week (no class)
Mar 30: Research Presentations (Draft due on day you present)
Apr 6: Research Presentations (Draft due on day you present)
Apr 13: Movie Screening: Dr. Strangelove)
Apr 20: Research & Writing Week (no class) (Individual Meetings)
Apr 27: No class. Final papers due next day
Apr 28: Final Paper due (no class)